Top 5 Most Popular FAQs

The two main costs involved in a patent application would be the official filing fees and your patent agent's fees (if you engage one). The total cost varies from case to case depending on the approach you take and the complexity of the case. A list of all the prescribed fees can be found here.

To file a patent application in Singapore, you have to file Patents Form 1 (2004)/(PF 1[2004]) together with the prescribed filing fee of S$160.00. Your application should include a set of the specification of your invention, i.e. the description, a claim(s) and a drawing(s) (if any), and an abstract of your invention.

Applicants are required to furnish to the Registrar an address for service in Singapore. This is the address to which all correspondence from the Registry will be sent.

All Patent forms are available at the IPOS counter and downloadable here.

You may file the application Form TM4 together with the prescribed fee. Applicants are required to provide an address for service in Singapore on the form.

With effect from 2 July 2007, you have the option to file (I) multi-class applications or (II) separate applications in different classes for the same mark. For (I), it will bring administrative convenience to you since there is only one trade mark number issued. With consolidated examination reports issued by IPOS, there is only one deadline for you to take note. The trade mark is also maintained as one upon registration. However, if an objection is raised in the examination process, the entire application will be held back. Likewise, if the applicant does not respond within the stipulated deadline, the entire application will also be treated as withdrawn.

Your trade mark is a marketing tool and your trade mark must distinguish your goods or services from others in the relevant industry. You should avoid applying for trade marks that (i) denote the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, the time of production of goods or of rendering of services (ii) consist of common surnames or geographical names, (iii) conflict with an earlier trade mark (you are advised to conduct a similar mark search via eFiling (select "Trade Marks Similar Mark", or (iv) mislead the public about the nature of the goods or services.

In the event that objections are raised against your application in relation to the above, you may overcome the objections by furnishing substantial evidence of use. For more information on providing evidence of use, please refer to FAQ Question 15 under Application in Singapore "I have been asked by the Registrar to provide evidence of use of my trade mark by way of statutory declaration. What is a statutory declaration and how should the evidence be presented?"

You may refer to our work manual for a more comprehensive understanding of marks that are not registrable.

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